Celebrity Cruises Orders Two Ships from STX France

Celebrity Cruises, a brand of the second largest cruise company Royal Caribbean, has signed a Letter of Intent with shipbuilder STX France for the construction of two new 117,000 ton cruise ships.

The two 2,900-guest ship are being developed under the project name EDGE, and will measure 984 feet long, 123 feet wide and 190 feet high. The company expects delivery of the first ship in Fall 2018, with the second vessel delivered in the early part of 2020.

Celebrity says the ships will build upon the modern luxury experience of the brand’s Millennium and Solstice class vessels.

The AFP reports the deal is valued at 1.2 billion euros ($1.5 billion).

“The addition of two project EDGE vessels to our fleet delivers on our long-term strategic plan of moderate capacity growth, and continues the positive momentum the Celebrity brand has achieved in the premium segment of our industry,” said Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

“Our new class of ship will set the standard for premium world travel and deliver the next generation of modern luxury experiences that our guests know and love,” said Michael Bayley, president and chief executive officer of Celebrity Cruises. “STX France designs and builds some of the most innovative and stylish cruise ships in the world, and project EDGE offers them the opportunity to again set a new standard for modern iconic architecture. On this stunning new ship we will bring our guests even closer to the must-see destinations of the world, while indulging them onboard in the most luxurious accommodations, the finest culinary experiences, and the best hospitality delivered by our dedicated staff.”

“We are excited to be collaborating with Celebrity on this dramatic step forward in premium cruise ship design,” said Laurent Castaing, managing director of STX France. “This class of ships will be designed to deliver the destination to vacationers who want to experience all the world has to offer.”

Celebrity Cruises says the newbuild order is contingent upon the completion of customary conditions, including financing.